By Stefan Coerts

The defender is one step closer to making his comeback for the Catalans, and he has offered words of encouragement for Tito Vilanova

Barcelona has received some encouraging new from the treatment table as Eric Abidal has resumed regular training action again after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The French defender underwent a liver transplant earlier this year, and has been working on his recovery process for the past nine months. Abidal last featured for Barcelona in the 2-1 Liga win over Atletico Madrid on Feb. 26.

"Hello everybody, I can confirm that I have resumed squad training again," Abidal wrote on his official Facebook page.

The 33-year-old also had words of encouragement for Barca boss Tito Vilanova, who will undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment for approximately six weeks after the relapse of a tumor.

"I hope to return to the pitch shortly, but I cannot stop thinking about our coach Tito Vilanova. I wish him and his family a lot of courage," Abidal said.